Electronic device flash shutter

ABSTRACT

An electronic device may have a camera module for acquiring still and video digital images of a subject. A light source such as a light-emitting diode may serve as a flash for the camera module. A shutter may be mounted above the light-emitting diode. When the light-emitting diode is not being used to produce a flash of light for illuminating the subject, the shutter may be closed to block the light-emitting diode from view by a user. During image acquisition operations in which it is desired to illuminate the subject, the shutter may be opened to allow light from the light-emitting diode to exit the electronic device. The electronic device may have a touch screen display with an active region and an inactive region. The camera module and light source may be mounted under a portion of the inactive region of the display. The shutter may include a filter structure.

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/481,558 filed Jun. 9, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. This application claims the benefit of andclaims priority to patent application Ser. No. 12/481,558, filed Jun. 9,2009.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to electronic devices, and moreparticularly, to shutters for electronic devices.

Digital cameras use digital image sensors to capture images. Electronicdevices such as computers and cellular telephone are also sometimesprovided with digital image sensors. For example, a laptop computer mayhave a digital image sensor mounted in its display housing to allow auser to participate in a video conference. A cellular telephone mighthave a rear-mounted or front-mounted digital camera sensor to allow auser of the cellular telephone to capture images.

Photography in low-light conditions often benefits from the use ofartificial illumination. Many electronic devices are therefore providedwith flash capabilities. For example, digital cameras and cellulartelephones are sometimes provided with xenon flashtubes. Xenonflashtubes are able to provide ample illumination when acquiring imagesat low ambient light levels, but tend to be bulky and visuallyunappealing.

To address some of the size and aesthetic issues associated withconventional xenon flashbulbs, camera flash units have been developedthat use light emitting diodes (LEDs). Flash devices that are based onLED technology tend to be small in size and exhibit reduced powerconsumption, but can be unsightly.

It would therefore be desirable to be able to provide improvedillumination equipment for electronic devices with digital camerasensors.

SUMMARY

An electronic device such a computer or cellular telephone may beprovided with a camera module. The camera module may have a camerasensor. When it is desired to take a photograph or capture video, thecamera sensor may be used to acquire digital image data.

It is sometimes desirable to illuminate a subject when acquiring digitalimages. For example, in low-light conditions it may be helpful toproject a flash of light onto the subject as a digital image iscaptured.

A light source such as a light-emitting diode may serve as a source ofillumination. The light source may be mounted within the electronicdevice under an inactive portion of a touch screen display. The cameramodule may be mounted adjacent to the light source. This type ofconfiguration may allow components from the camera module and the lightsource to be mounted on a common substrate. For example, the cameramodule and the light source may both be mounted on the same flexcircuit.

A shutter may be used to conceal the light source when not in use. Theshutter may have a movable shutter blade. An actuator may be used toposition the movable shutter blade in an open position or a closedposition as appropriate.

Control circuitry may be coupled to the camera module to receive digitalimages. The control circuitry may also be coupled to the shutter and thelight source. When it is desired to use the light source as a cameraflash, the control circuitry may place the shutter in the open position.This exposes the light source and allows light from the light source topass through the shutter to exit the electronic device. When flashoperations are complete, the control circuitry may place the shutter ina closed position to block the light source from view.

The shutter may have a rotating magnet that is mounted on a post in abase member. The base member may have an opening that receives the lightsource. The base member and other structures associated with the lightsource and shutter may be formed from heat-resistant materials to avoidheat damage when operating the light source.

The shutter may have a shutter blade that is formed from a thin layer ofsilicon. Upper and lower shutter blade cover members may be used tocreate an interior opening into which the shutter blade may be retractedwhen the shutter is open.

If desired, the shutter blade may be provided with a transparent coloredfilter structure. For example, an opening in a silicon shutter blade maybe filled with a red or green transparent material (as an example). Whenthe shutter blade is in its closed position, light from the light sourcemay pass through the filter structure for viewing by a user of theelectronic device. Status information or other suitable information maybe conveyed to the user by controlling the light source. For example,the light source may be turned on and off while the shutter blade isclosed to create a blinking status light during the acquisition of videowith the camera module.

Further features of the invention, its nature and various advantageswill be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the followingdetailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative electronic device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative shutter that may be usedto conceal a light source such as a light emitting diode in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrativelight-emitting-diode flash assembly in which a shutter is used toconceal the light-emitting diode when not in use in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an interior portion of an illustrativeelectronic device showing how the device may have a flash assembly witha shutter that is mounted adjacent to a digital camera in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a flash assembly with ashutter and an adjacent digital camera in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a module with an integrated flash andcamera in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an interior portion of an illustrativeelectronic device having a module with an integrated flash and camera inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of a module of the type shown inFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative module withan integrated flash and camera in which the flash shutter and camera areprovided with an integrated shutter cover in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Shutters may be used to cover light sources such as light-emitting diode(LED) light sources in electronic devices. The electronic devices may beprovided with camera sensors for acquiring digital images. The lightsources may be used to provide illumination when acquiring the digitalimages. For example, the light sources may serve as flashes that providerelatively bright illumination for short periods of time.

When a light source is in active use, its shutter may be opened to allowlight to be emitted. When the light source is not being used, itsassociated shutter may be closed. This may improve the appearance of thedevice by shielding a potentially unsightly light emitting diode fromview. For example, a blue light-emitting diode may have a yellow filterlayer so that its emitted light is white. The yellow color of theexterior portion of this type of light-emitting diode helps to ensurethat light-emitting diode emits light with a desired color temperature,but may be unsightly. This unsightly appearance may be exacerbated whenthe light source is provided with an efficient beam shaping lens. Byusing the shutter as a cosmetic cover, the yellow color of thelight-emitting diode is blocked from view.

Light sources with shutters may be used in any suitable electronicdevice. As an example, these light sources may be used in electronicdevices such as desktop computers or computer monitors. The electronicdevices in which the light sources are used may also be portableelectronic devices such as laptop computers, tablet computers, or smallportable computers of the type that are sometimes referred to asultraportables. If desired, portable electronic devices with shutteredlight sources may be somewhat smaller devices. Examples of smallerportable electronic devices that may use light sources with shuttersinclude wrist-watch devices, pendant devices, headphone and earpiecedevices, and other wearable and miniature devices. With one suitablearrangement, the portable electronic devices may be handheld electronicdevices.

An illustrative electronic device in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention is shown in FIG. 1. Device 10 of FIG. 1 may be,for example, an electronic device that supports wireless functions.Device 10 may have storage and processing circuitry that allows device10 to run code. The code may be used in implementing functions such asinternet browsing functions, email and calendar functions, games, musicplayer functionality, digital image acquisition functions, flash andshutter control operations, indicator light functions, etc.

Device 10 may have housing 12. Housing 12 may be formed of any suitablematerials including, plastic, glass, ceramics, metal, other suitablematerials, or a combination of these materials. Bezel 14 may serve tohold a display such as display 20 or other device with a planar surfacein place on device 10.

Display 20 may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic lightemitting diode (OLED) display, or any other suitable display. Theoutermost surface of display 20 may be formed from one or more plasticor glass layers. If desired, touch screen functionality may beintegrated into display 20 or may be provided using a separate touch paddevice. An advantage of integrating a touch screen into display 20 tomake display 20 touch sensitive is that this type of arrangement cansave space and reduce visual clutter.

Display screen 16 (e.g., a touch screen) is merely one example of aninput-output device that may be used with electronic device 10. Ifdesired, electronic device 10 may have other input-output devices. Forexample, electronic device 10 may have user input control devices suchas button 18 and input-output components such as ports 16. Button 18 maybe, for example, a menu button. Ports 16 may include audio jacks,universal serial bus ports, and other digital and analog input-outputconnectors. Openings in housing 12 may, if desired, form speaker andmicrophone ports. In the example of FIG. 1, display screen 20 is shownas being mounted on the front face of handheld electronic device 10, butdisplay screen 20 may, if desired, be mounted on the rear face ofhandheld electronic device 10, on a side of device 10, on a flip-upportion of device 10 that is attached to a main body portion of device10 by a hinge (for example), or using any other suitable mountingarrangement.

A user of electronic device 10 may supply input commands using userinput interface devices such as button 18 and touch screen 20. Suitableuser input interface devices for electronic device 10 include buttons(e.g., alphanumeric keys, power on-off, power-on, power-off, and otherspecialized buttons, etc.), a touch pad, pointing stick, or other cursorcontrol device, a microphone for supplying voice commands, or any othersuitable interface for controlling device 10. Although shown as beingformed on the top face of electronic device 10 in the example of FIG. 1,buttons such as button 18 and other user input interface devices maygenerally be formed on any suitable portion of electronic device 10. Forexample, a button such as button 18 or other user interface control maybe formed on the side of electronic device 10. Buttons and other userinterface controls can also be located on the top face, rear face, orother portion of device 10.

Display 20 may be covered with a transparent plastic or glass cover.This cover, which is sometimes referred to as the display “cover glass”may extend over the exposed surface of device 10, as shown in FIG. 1.Central region 26 of display 20 may be provided with touch-screenfunctionality. Touch screen functionality may be provided usingresistive touch sensors, acoustic-based touch sensors, capacitive touchsensors, or any other suitable touch sensor arrangement. For example,transparent touch screen electrodes for a capacitive touch sensor may beprovided on the underside of the cover glass in central region 26.

Because region 26 is sensitive to touch input (e.g., when a user'sfinger or other external objects are detected within a particularproximity of the touch sensor), region 26 is sometimes referred to asthe active region. Portions of display 20 outside of active region 26(e.g., peripheral regions 22 in the example of FIG. 1) do not containtouch sensor electrodes and may therefore sometimes be referred to asinactive regions. The undersides of the cover glass of display 20 ininactive regions 22 may be coated with an opaque ink (e.g., black ink)to hide components under regions 22 from view.

Camera sensors and light sources such as light-emitting-diode lightsources may be mounted in any suitable portion of electronic device 10.For example, a camera sensor and light-emitting diode may be mounted onthe rear of device 10 or on a side portion of device 10. With onesuitable arrangement, which is sometimes described herein as an example,a camera sensor and associated light-emitting diode light source aremounted under an inactive region 22 of the display cover glass such asregion 24 of FIG. 1. This is, however, merely one illustrative locationfor locating a camera sensor and light source in device 10. Any locationmay be used to mount a camera sensor and light source if desired.

A cross-sectional side view of an illustrative electronic device such aselectronic device 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2,display 20 may include a transparent cover 28. Cover 28 may be a planarmember that is formed from plastic, glass, or other transparentmaterial. Display 20 may be mounted to housing 12 of device 10 usingbezel 14. If desired, an elastomeric gasket may be used to help preventdamage to the edges of cover 28.

In active region 26, display 20 may be provided with an array of touchsensor electrodes such as touch sensor array 30. A light source such aslight source 40 may be mounted in region 24 of inactive region 22. Lightsource 40 may be a light-emitting diode, an array of light-emittingdiode structures, a flashlamp, or any other suitable source of light.Portions of the underside of cover 28 in region 22 may be coated with anopaque material such as black ink 32. The opaque material shieldsinterior components in device 10 from view. In region 34, there is noblack ink, so that cover 28 remains transparent.

Because region 34 is transparent, shutter 46 may be used to help shieldthe interior of device 10 from view when light source 40 is not beingused to provide illumination for digital image capture functions.Shutter 46 may have one or more opaque blades. With one suitablearrangement, which is sometimes described herein as an example, shutter46 may have a single silicon blade. An actuator such as electromagneticactuator 44 may be used to move the shutter blade between an openposition and a closed position.

Control circuitry 36 may be coupled to shutter actuator 44 and lightsource 40 by paths 42 and 38, respectively. Paths 42 and 38 may includeone or more conductive lines and may be used to transmit control signalsto shutter 44 and light source 40.

When it is desired to use light source 40 to provide light (e.g., forilluminating image capture operations with a digital camera sensor),control circuitry 36 may provide control signals to actuator 44 overpath 42 that direct actuator 44 to place the blade of shutter 46 in itsopen position.

While the blade of shutter 46 is open, control circuitry 36 may providecontrol signals to light source 40 over path 38 that direct light source40 to generate illumination. As an example, control circuitry 36 maydirect light source 40 to generate a high intensity burst of light(i.e., a “flash” for taking a digital photograph). Steady illuminationmay also be provided. For example, light source 40 may be used togenerate continuous illumination at a potentially lower light level whenit is desired to illuminate a subject while acquiring video. Continuouslight may also be generated to provide illumination for red-eyereduction functions or may be generated to provide illumination duringautofocus operations.

When the flash event or other illumination event is complete, controlcircuitry 36 may provide control signals to light source 40 that placelight source 40 in an appropriate low-power state. Control circuitry 36may also provide control signals to shutter 46 that close the shutterblade. With the shutter blade closed, the user's view of light source 40will be blocked, thereby enhancing device aesthetics.

If desired, the blade of shutter 46 may be provided with one or morefilter structures such as filter structure 48. A filter structure may beformed in a circular or rectangular opening within the blade or theentire blade may be used to form a filter structure. Each filterstructure may, for example, include a colored transparent material suchas a green or red plastic or dyed epoxy. These materials may appearessentially opaque when light source 40 is turned off, but may permittransmission of light from light source 40 when light source 40 isturned on. This allows the filter structure to be used as a statusindicator light.

Consider, as an example, a situation in which shutter 46 is in itsclosed position. When in its closed position, filter structure 48 can bepositioned over light source 40, as shown in FIG. 2. In thisconfiguration, control circuitry 36 may turn on light source 40 withoutopening shutter 46. When turning on light source 40 in this way, controlcircuitry 36 may set the output intensity of light source 40 to itsmaximum permitted value or may reduce the output level somewhat toconserve power and reduce the amount of heat generated by light source40. With light source 40 turned on and shutter 46 in its closedposition, light from light source 40 may pass through filter structure48 and transparent region 34.

Control circuitry 36 can control the pattern of light that is emittedand the intensity of light that is emitted through filter structure 48to convey information to the user of device 10. The information that isconveyed may be, for example, information on the state of device 10.Examples of information that may be conveyed by using light source 40and filter structure 48 as a status indicator light include informationon whether video capture functions are active or inactive (i.e., a“privacy” indicator), information on whether a battery in device 10 isbeing charged by a power adapter or other power information (i.e., a“charge status” or “battery” indicator), countdown timer information(e.g., just before a picture is captured using an automatic timedshutter function), information on autofocus status, information on lowambient light status, other camera information, information related tonon-camera operations such as cellular telephone operations or mediaplayer operations, etc.

If desired, the components of shutter 46 and light source 40 may beinterconnected to form a module such as module 64. Module 64 mayoptionally include a camera sensor (i.e., to form an integrated shutter,light source, and camera module).

A perspective view of an illustrative module 64 of the type that may beused in electronic device 10 is shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3,module 64 may have a cover member such as shutter cover member 52 forcovering the upper portion of shutter 46. Light source 40 (FIG. 2) maybe mounted beneath opening 54 in cover member 52. Because light source40 may emit heat during operation, it may be desirable to form covermember 52 and other portions of module 64 from heat resistant materials.An illustrative heat resistant material that may be used for covermember 52 and other portions of module 64 is polyetherimide. Other heatresistant materials that may be used include ceramics, glass, metalalloys, and silicon (as examples).

When installed in device 10, opening 54 in shutter cover member 52 maybe aligned with opening 34 in black ink layer 32 in cover glass 28 ofdisplay 20 (FIG. 2). Shutter 46 may have a shutter blade such as blade50 (shown as having an optional filter structure 48). In FIG. 3, shutterblade 50 is shown in its open position (not covering opening 54). Whenit is desired to close shutter 46, shutter blade 50 may be rotated indirection 62 about rotational axis 60 by actuator 44 (FIG. 2).

The components of shutter 46 and module 64 may be mounted to a substratesuch as a printed circuit board substrate. This allows control signalsto be provided to the actuator and light source of module 64. Thesubstrate may be, for example, a rigid printed circuit board substratesuch as a fiberglass-filed epoxy circuit board or may be a flexibleprinted circuit board. Flexible printed circuit boards, which aresometimes referred to as flex circuits, have conductive traces formed onflexible sheets such as flexible sheets of polyimide or other polymers.In the example of FIG. 3, the components of module 64 have been mountedon flex circuit 56. Flex circuit 56 may include conductive traces forforming paths such as paths 42 and 38 of FIG. 2. A connector such aszero-insertion-force (ZIF) connector 58 may be used to connect thetraces of flex circuit 56 to control circuitry 36 (FIG. 2).

An exploded perspective view of a module such as module 64 of FIG. 3 isshown in FIG. 4.

As shown in FIG. 4, light source 40 of module 64 may be mounted on aplanar portion of flex circuit 56 such as planar flex circuit portion56A. Flex circuit 56 may be, for example, a two-layer flex circuit.Connector 58 may be, for example, a six-pin zero-insertion-forceconnector.

During operation, light may be emitted through portion 66 of lightsource 40. Light source 40 may be a light-emitting diode and portion 66may include a color correction filter that adjusts the color spectrum ofthe emitted light (e.g., to ensure that otherwise bluish light appearssufficiently white).

Module 64 may have structures that form electromagnetic actuator 44 ofFIG. 2. These structures may include permanent magnet 74 and anelectromagnet formed from coil 70 and core structure 68. Electromagneticcoil 70 may be formed from wire that is wrapped around core structure68. Core structure 68 may have a U-shape as shown in FIG. 4 and may beformed from a ferrous material such as steel. Positive and negativeleads 71A and 71B of electromagnetic coil 70 may be electricallyconnected to respective pads 73A and 73B on planar portion 56A on flexcircuit 56. When current is passed through the wire of coil 70, amagnetic field is produced that causes magnet 74 to rotate around axis60. If desired, actuator 44 may be formed from a moving electromagnetand a stationary permanent magnet or may be formed from stationary andmoving electromagnets. The example of FIG. 4 in which the movingactuator member is formed from a permanent magnet (magnet 74) and thestationary structures are formed from an electromagnet (coil 70 on core68) is merely illustrative.

Blade 50 may be attached to magnet 74. Magnet 74 may have a cylindricalaxial opening that allows magnet 74 to be mounted on post 88 incylindrical opening 84 in base member 72. When mounted on post 88,magnet 74 (and therefore the attached shutter blade 50) may rotate aboutrotational axis 60.

Base member 72 may be formed from polyetherimide, other plastics, orother suitable materials. When assembled inside device 10,light-emitting diode 40 may be received in rectangular opening 86 ofbase member 72. Because light source 40 may produce heat duringoperation, the use of heat resistant materials such as polyetherimidewhen forming base member 72 can help prevent heat-induced damage to basemember 72.

It may be desirable to shape the beam of light that is emitted fromlight source 40. In the example of FIG. 4, module 64 includes an opticallens 76 that helps to redirect emitted light into a desired beam shape.Lens 76 may be a single element lens, a multi-element lens, a thin filmlens (e.g., a Fresnel lens) or any other suitable lens. As an example,lens 76 may be a Fresnel-type lens having a transparent substrate onwhich a pattern of concentric rings are formed by curing transparentepoxy (e.g., by ultraviolet light curing). The substrate may be formedfrom a planar plastic film such as a sheet of polycarbonate orpolyetherimide.

Lens 76 may be mounted under lower shutter blade cover member 78 usingadhesive or other suitable fastening mechanisms. When mounted to member78, the rings of lens 76 may be aligned with circular opening 80. Covermember 78 may be formed from plastic, metal, or other suitablematerials. For example, cover member 78 may be formed from a non-ferrousmetal such as beryllium copper. An advantage of using a non-ferrousmaterial for cover member 78 is that this helps avoid creatingelectromagnetic interference with the actuator. An advantage of usingmetal for cover member 78 is that metals can be formed with smallthicknesses (e.g., 0.5 mm or less, 0.2 mm or less, etc.). Using a thinshape for cover member 78 helps to make module 64 compact.

Shutter blade 50 may be formed from a thin material such as metal,plastic, semiconductor, etc. With one suitable arrangement, which issometimes described herein as an example, shutter blade 50 is formedfrom a thin layer of silicon (e.g., a layer that is less than about 0.1mm thick, less than 0.05 mm thick, etc.). Silicon structures such asblade 50 can be formed using semiconductor manufacturing techniques.Structures such as these are often referred to as microelectromechanicalsystems (MEMS) structures, so blade 50 may sometimes be referred to as aMEMS shutter blade. Portion 90 of shutter blade 50 may be attached tomagnet 74 using adhesive.

Blade 50 may have a spring structure 82 that is attached to top covermember 52. Spring 82 may help provide a restoring force for shutterblade 50. Any suitable structure may be used in forming a shutter bladespring mechanism (e.g., silicon, a magnet that imparts a restoringforce, a spring metal member, etc.). The use of spring 82 is merelyillustrative.

Upper shutter blade cover 52 may be connected to lower shutter bladecover 78 using any suitable attachment mechanism. For example, adhesivemay be provided in peripheral regions of the upper surface of member 78to bond the underside of member 52 to the upper surface of member 78 andthereby capture spring 82 and shutter blade 50 in module 64.

When using light source 40 as a camera flash or other source ofillumination for still and video imaging applications, it may bedesirable to mount module 64 adjacent to a camera sensor. This type ofarrangement is shown in FIG. 5. In the example of FIG. 5, module 64 hasbeen mounted in a corner region of housing 12 (e.g., in a region thatwill be under an inactive portion of the display when the display ismounted in device 10). Camera module 92 may be mounted adjacent tolight-source and shutter module 64. When mounted in device 10, lens ring94 and the associated lens of camera module 92 face in the samedirection (vertical direction 96) as opening 54 in shutter cover member52.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of device 10 that has been cut incross-section along line 98 of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 6, light source40 may be mounted within base 72 in alignment with lens 76 and hole 54in member 52.

When upper shutter cover member 52 is attached to lower shutter covermember 78, a thin cavity 100 is formed into which shutter blade 50 maybe retracted when the shutter is in its open position. There ispreferably sufficient clearance between shutter blade 50 and theadjoining surfaces of members 52 and 78 to avoid undesirable attractiveforces between blade 50 and member 52 and 78 (e.g., electrostatic forcesor Van der Waals forces).

If desired, shutter and light source module 64 may be integrated withcamera module 92. This type of arrangement is shown in FIG. 7. As shownin FIG. 7, a compact configuration may be created in which a portion ofupper cover member 52 protrudes under portion 102 of camera trim ring94. FIG. 7 also shows how the components of both camera module 92 andmodule 64 may be mounted on a common flex circuit substrate (flexcircuit 56), thereby facilitating additional size reductions.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an integrated assembly of the type shown in FIG.7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the integrated assembly of FIG.8 taken along line 104 in direction 106. As shown in FIG. 9, thecomponents of camera module 92 and the components of module 64 such asthe actuator and light source may be mounted to a common flex circuit56. Light source 40 may be a surface mount device (SMD) that is solderedto flex circuit 56 using solder 118.

There may be a clearance (vertical distance D1) between the uppersurface of light source 40 and the lower surface of lens 76 that servesas an optical gap and allows light from source 40 to spread before beingcollected and shaped into a desired beam shape by lens 76. Shutter bladecavity 100 may have a height D2. Blade 50 may be located atapproximately the midpoint of cavity 100, so that there is a clearanceof D2/2 between blade 50 and the lower surface of member 52 and aclearance of D2/2 between blade 50 and the upper surface of member 78.Because lens 76 is mounted to the lower surface of member 78 (in theillustrative embodiment of FIG. 9), there is a clearance of at leastD2/2 between blade 50 and lens 76.

Ink 32 may cover the components of module 64 and module 92 from viewthrough cover glass 28. Regions 34 of cover glass 28 may be free of ink32 to avoid blocking light source 40 and the camera sensor of module 92.

Foam member 108 may be used to form a dust seal that prevents foreignmatter from intruding into the interior of device 10.

As shown in the illustrative configuration of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, lenstrim ring 94 and shutter cover member 52 may be formed as separate partsthat are joined during assembly. If desired, the lens trim ring andshutter cover may be formed as an integral member. This type ofarrangement is shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, member 110 mayinclude a portion such as portion 112 that serves as a camera trim ringfor camera module 92 and has a portion such as portion 114 that servesas a cover for shutter components 116 and light source 40.

In configurations such as the configuration of FIG. 10 in which aunitary flex circuit (flex circuit 56) is used for mounting module 92,light source 40, and shutter components 116, connector 58 may includepins that convey digital camera sensor information associated withmodule 92, control signals for light source 40, and control signals forthe shutter (shutter components 116 in FIG. 10). Flex circuit 56 isflexible, which allows the shape of flex circuit 56 to be configured toaccommodate a variety of device environments. For example, flex circuit56 may have a tails such as tail 120 and tail 122 that allow connector58 and light source 40 to be placed at desired locations in device 10relative to module 92.

If desired, other electronic components such as light sensors can becosmetically covered with shutter 46. The use of shutter 46 to coverlight source 40 is merely illustrative.

The foregoing is merely illustrative of the principles of this inventionand various modifications can be made by those skilled in the artwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device, comprising: a cameramodule; a light source; a shutter comprising a shutter blade and afilter formed on the shutter blade, wherein the shutter blade movesbetween an open position and a closed position, wherein the openposition enables light from the light source to pass through theshutter, and wherein the filter comprises a colored transparentmaterial; and control circuitry configured to turn on the light sourcewhile the shutter blade and filter cover the light source to conveyinformation about the status of the electronic device, wherein thecolored transparent material appears opaque when the light source isoff.
 2. The electronic device defined in claim 1 further comprising adisplay with a transparent cover, wherein the light from the lightsource that passes through the shutter also passes through thetransparent cover.
 3. The electronic device defined in claim 2 furthercomprising a touch sensor located on a portion of the transparent coverthat forms an active region of the display, wherein the display has aninactive region, and wherein the light source and shutter are locatedunder the inactive region.
 4. The electronic device defined in claim 3wherein part of transparent cover in the inactive region is coated withan opaque substance and wherein part of the transparent cover in theinactive region is free of the opaque substance, and wherein the lightfrom the light source that passes through the transparent cover passesthrough the part of the transparent cover in the inactive region that isfree of the opaque substance.
 5. The electronic device defined in claim4 wherein the camera module is mounted in the electronic device underthe inactive region.
 6. The electronic device defined in claim 5 furthercomprising a flex circuit to which both the light source and the cameramodule are mounted.
 7. The electronic device defined in claim 6 whereinthe shutter comprises an actuator having an electromagnet with leads,the electronic device further comprising pads on the flex circuit towhich leads are connected.
 8. The electronic device defined in claim 1wherein the light from the light source is a flash of light.
 9. Theelectronic device defined in claim 1 wherein the shutter blade has firstand second opposing sides, and wherein the shutter further comprises anupper shutter blade cover member on the first side and a lower shutterblade cover member on the second side.
 10. The electronic device definedin claim 9 wherein the shutter further comprises a camera module lenstrim ring formed in the upper shutter blade cover member.
 11. Anelectronic device, comprising: a camera module; a light source thatprovides illumination for capturing digital images with the cameramodule; a shutter structure; and a shutter blade comprising a filter,wherein the filter comprises a colored transparent material, wherein theshutter blade is coupled to the shutter structure and moves between anopen position and a closed position, wherein the open position enableslight from the light source to pass the shutter and provide theillumination for capturing the digital images with the camera module,wherein the closed position causes the light to pass through the filterto convey information on the status of the electronic device when thelight source is operative, and wherein the information is selected fromthe group consisting of: information on whether video capture functionsare active, battery charge status information, countdown timerinformation, and autofocus status information.
 12. The electronic devicedefined in claim 11 wherein the light source comprises a light-emittingdiode.
 13. The electronic device defined in claim 11 further comprisinga display with a transparent cover, wherein the light from the lightsource passes through the transparent cover.
 14. The electronic devicedefined in claim 13 further comprising a touch sensor located on aportion of the transparent cover that forms an active region of thedisplay, wherein the display has an inactive region, and wherein thelight source and shutter are located under the inactive region.
 15. Theelectronic device defined in claim 14 wherein part of transparent coverin the inactive region is coated with an opaque substance and whereinpart of the transparent cover in the inactive region is free of theopaque substance, and wherein the light from the light source thatpasses through the transparent cover passes through the part of thetransparent cover in the inactive region that is free of the opaquesubstance.
 16. A light source module in an electronic device thatprovides illumination for capturing digital images with the electronicdevice, comprising: a light source; a shutter blade for the lightsource, wherein the shutter blade comprises an opaque portion and afilter structure formed within an opening in the opaque portion; anupper shutter blade cover member; a lower shutter blade cover member,wherein the upper shutter blade cover member and the lower shutter bladecover member are contained within a housing of the electronic device andattached to each other to form a cavity in which the shutter blade movesbetween an open position and a closed position; and an actuator thatcauses the shutter blade to open so that light from the light sourcepasses beyond the shutter blade and exits the electronic device, whereinwhen the light source is on and the filter structure is in the closedposition, some of the light form the light source passes through thefilter structure to convey information on the status of the electronicdevice.
 17. The light source module defined in claim 16 furthercomprising a magnet connected to the filter structure.
 18. The lightsource module defined in claim 17 further comprising an electromagnetthat creates a magnetic field to move the magnet, wherein movement ofthe magnet moves the filter structure between the open position and theclosed position.
 19. The light source module defined in claim 16 whereinthe lower cover member comprises metal and the upper cover membercomprises plastic.
 20. The light source module defined in claim 16further comprising a camera module lens trim ring formed in the uppershutter blade cover member.